Verb form of the acronym GAFIA, which in sf fan use stands for "Getting Away From It All."

The shorter term "gafia" was coined by sf fan Dick Wilson and used as early as 1940 when there was a Loyal and Benevolent Order of Gafia. Originally intended to mean fans "getting away" from mundane activities to participate in fandom, it quickly flip-flopped and became the reverse -- fans who gave up fandom for more real world pursuits.

Term originated sometime in either 40s or 50s, from science fiction fans who give up fandom for more mundane pursuits. GAFIA is the full term. Used in APAs by fans who decided to leave their fannish interests and become entrenched in the "real world."